Seoul’s first foreign-owned brewpub opens in Gangnam

A glass of beer is seen on a table at Craftworks Gangnam in southern Seoul.
/ Courtesy of Craftworks Gangnam

By John Redmond

The very popular Craftworks Taphouse & Bistro, Seoul’s first foreign-owned brewpub, opened a branch in Gangnam on Tuesday night.

Named Craftworks Gagnam, the new venue continues to produce the large range of unique beers including Baekdusan Hefeweizen, Jirisan “Moon Bear” India Pale Ale (IPA), Seorak Oatmeal Stout and, just for fall, Hobak Pumpkin Spice IPA. The handcrafted beers are all named after the iconic mountains dotting the Korean Peninsula.

Management prides itself on the quality of all its beers.

“Our signature house beers are crafted in small batches in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Gapyeong is renowned throughout Korea for its fresh, spring-fed water; in fact, our brews are the only ones on the peninsula not made from tap water. All our beers are fresh and 100 percent natural, and are never filtered or pasteurized,” states a press release.

“We use only the finest available hops, yeast, grains and malt in our beers. We’re proud of the quality of our brews, and we hope you enjoy drinking them as much as we enjoy making them.”

Three years ago, Craftworks Taphouse & Bistro started out as a fledging brewpub in Gyeongridan, Itaewon selling beer and American-style pub cuisine with a southern influence. It has since grown to four locations in Seoul, with plans to expand across the country.

Sommelier Lee Su-yeon partnered with Craftworks to open its branch at Gangnam Station. “The craft beer revolution is in full swing in Korea. I want to bring good beer to Gangnam, and Craftworks beers are the best I’ve ever tasted,” she said.

Quality ingredients and fresh healthy meals are also part of what Craftworks does. “Craftworks isn’t just pub food. It’s also quality salads, barbecued meats and really fine burgers,” Lee said.

Craftworks Gangnam also serves value-for-money wines, cocktails and fine single malt whiskies.

The establishment is open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. currently with plans to open for lunch and brunch within a week. Groups and birthday parties are welcome at this 105 seat gastropub.

To get there, leave Gangnam Station at exit 11 and turn right at the Paris Baguette and walk for 300 meters. Craftworks Gagnam is on the left.

The address is 817-25 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu.